Breeding Season Options By Mike Stockton

FAIR GROVE, Missouri: 

I will give my quick view of the three breeding practices that I see most common in my area. The first practice takes the least amount of management, and is more common than you might think. It is calving all year regardless of the seasons. Yes, we read many articles telling us how bad this is for cost effectiveness and the health of the calves. The truth of the matter is that it is easier for many to just let the bull run with the cows year round. The advantages of this is that you don’t have to have a bull pen to separate the bull from the cows. Another plus is that you can sell calves throughout the year and have money coming in as needed.

The second practice is highly recommended among the regenerative group. Calving in the spring season with the surplus of grass makes a lot of sense. Grass is cheap, and helps the cow produce plenty of milk for a healthy calf. Calves may be weaned and sold prior to winter to lower feed costs during the winter.

The third practice is common in my area due to the heat of the summers. Fall calving is similar to the spring because there is a good amount of grass and the weather is more moderate. This helps with the breed back issue that is so important by keeping cows that are productive. The calves will be wintered beside their mothers, and can be sold during the spring when the markets tend to be a bit higher. I like options. During the breeding season we have options, and a lot of them have to do with the bull. It is important to remember that the bull makes up 50% of the genetics of all the calves. There were three options that I considered this year.

1. Renting a bull: Cheaper than owning, and the bull is gone after a short time period. The downside is the bull is gone if a cow comes in heat, and the genetics are probably not well known.
2. Buying a bull: You buy what you like and want and the bull is available year round in case a female needs to be bred. The cost is more, but you usually keep the bull for a few years.

3. Artificial Insemination: You pick out the breed and type of bull you want. More management is required by watching for females in heat, and then getting them up to breed. You may need to find an A.I. tech in your area. I read Kit Pharo and listen to Greg Judy and Jaime Elizondo. I believe it when the legends say that adapted genetics are needed for good body condition, productivity, and longevity. 

Since I directly market my animals for beef, I find all of these traits to be very important. To get a bull with these genetic traits could be pricey if you go and buy a bull. I’ve decided to keep some heifers and breed them to start my own savings account. This herd should multiply tax free for several years. In theory, the herd would double every three to four years. My heifers are located on rent land, and I don’t want a bull there. I found an A.I. tech near me, and he said he would store the semen and charge $15 per trip to breed an animal. I then started looking for semen from Southpoll bulls. I found some for sale by Dr. Bruce Shanks from Sassafras Farms, and it was located just a few miles from where I live. It was great to talk to the owner of the bull and ask the questions I wanted answered. He was very helpful and easy to talk with. The semen cost $20 per straw. So, if all goes well I should have less than $50 invested in each calf from a bull that could greatly improve my herd’s adapted genetics. If you are like me and only have a few females to breed, I think you should consider the option of A.I. It does require a little planning and management, but doesn’t cost that much. I’m excited to try something new. Gabe Brown says you should try something new every year. I’ll let you all know how it goes. Don’t be afraid to think things over and figure out the option that works best for you. Dare to compare. 

Mike Stockton is a teacher who raises farm fresh beef on leased land, and has implemented year round rotational grazing on the family farm in Elkland, Missouri. Contact him at 417-718-5910 or [email protected]